WWII Explosives Found at Long Beach Port Construction
- A construction crew working at the Port of Long Beach made an unexpected discovery on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, unearthing an explosive device dating back to World War...
- The eight-decade-old shell was discovered at one of the Port of Long Beach's six container terminals during routine construction work.
- Recognizing the potential danger, authorities initiated an evacuation of the impacted terminal to ensure public safety.
world war II Ordnance Unearthed at the Port of Long Beach
Table of Contents
A construction crew working at the Port of Long Beach made an unexpected discovery on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, unearthing an explosive device dating back to World War II. The incident prompted a temporary evacuation and a swift response from multiple agencies, but operations resumed Wednesday night.
Discovery and Initial Response
The eight-decade-old shell was discovered at one of the Port of Long Beach’s six container terminals during routine construction work. Upon notification, the Long Beach Police Department and Long Beach Fire department immediately responded, establishing a safety perimeter around the affected area. The U.S. Coast Guard also assisted in securing the scene.
Recognizing the potential danger, authorities initiated an evacuation of the impacted terminal to ensure public safety. Fortunately, the remaining five terminals continued to operate without interruption, minimizing disruption to the flow of goods.
Expert Assessment and Safe Removal
the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad arrived on scene to assess the device. After careful evaluation, they determined the ordnance was stable enough for transport.A specialized team from the U.S. Marine Corps, experts in ordnance disposal, was then called in to carefully move the shell offsite.
The Marine Corps team successfully deactivated the device at a secure location, eliminating any further risk. This process underscores the importance of specialized expertise in handling ancient ordnance.
Return to Normal Operations
Following the accomplished deactivation, the Port of Long beach confirmed that normal operations resumed wednesday evening. The swift and coordinated response from local,state,and federal agencies prevented any injuries and minimized disruption to the vital supply chain.
The safety of our workforce and the surrounding community is our top priority. We are grateful for the professionalism and expertise of all the agencies involved in this incident.
This incident serves as a reminder of the historical legacy embedded within infrastructure projects and the importance of preparedness when encountering possibly hazardous materials.The Port of Long Beach continues to prioritize safety and security in all its operations.
Understanding Historical Ordnance
Unearthing remnants of past conflicts, especially from World War II, is not uncommon during construction and excavation projects. The United States played a significant role in the Pacific Theater during the war, and many coastal areas were heavily fortified.
| Conflict | Approximate Dates | Relevance to Port of Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| World War II | 1941-1945 | Significant military presence and coastal defenses in the Long Beach area. |
Such discoveries highlight the need for careful planning, thorough site assessments, and established protocols for handling potentially dangerous artifacts. The Department of Defense’s Explosive Safety Board provides guidance on unexploded ordnance (UXO) safety.